Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Overview
Join us on our mountaineering escapades as we climb Mount Kilimanjaro on the Marangu route for a span of five days, enjoying the hike as we scale the heights to the top of Africa. The team is ready and adventure awaits; you can join a group or undertake the hike solo in the company of our climbing crew.
Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895 meters above sea level and is the highest mountain in Africa in addition it’s nicknamed “the roof of Africa”. This mountain is most famous for its three summits which include Shira, Kibo, and Mawenzi. Kilimanjaro is synonymous with Africa and triggers an imagination of how mighty the continent is.
Our trekking adventure is crafted for thrill seekers who are willing to take the challenge of climbing mount Kilimanjaro to the summit while enjoying various breathtaking vistas. Conquering Kilimanjaro is simply being on top of Africa and a venture that should be in your bucket list.
Scaling the mountain’s heights is a feat that takes plenty of perseverance and it’s important to undergo acclimatization before climbing the mountain to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Logistics
The team at Kenya epic safaris is involved in every step of the planning, preparation and packing of our expedition. Behind the scenes we take care of all the nighty grities to ensure a smooth ripple effect for the purpose of a successful mount Kilimanjaro climbing experience.
Mountain guides & porters
Our mountain guides & porters are highly skilled on mountaineering and more importantly they possess years of experience on climbing mount Kilimanjaro. They are highly trained, certified, very knowledgeable and play a key role to a successful climb to the summit. Furthermore you will also enjoy the company of our professional guides & porters as you hike Mount Kilimanjaro.
Accommodation
Accommodation on the mountain varies on the route a climber chooses. There are permanently built mountain huts and designated camping sites. Our guides have selected various hotels for overnight stays close to the base of the mountain to ensure acclimatization and above all avoid mountain sickness.
Meals & Drinks
As part of our team; we have a dedicated professional cook who prepares excellent, delicious and healthy meals. Our cook will ensure a diverse menu accommodating different tastes and appetites. The menu consists of high protein foods, carbs, vegetables and fruits. Equally important we cater for special dietary requirements with advance notice at no extra charge. You are advised to bring your favorite snacks / energy bars.
You only require bottled water on the first and last day however on the mountain we will boil water or add purifying tablets then filter using MSR water filtering pump before refilling in your water bottles every morning.
Transport
We organize transportation from your hotel to the park’s entry point. The number of people, their budget and preference dictates the mode of transport we can offer and in addition if you are located in Nairobi, we can pre arrange a shuttle coach to Arusha or Moshi.
Call To Action
Contact us today and embark on the best Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expedition. A package that meets your dream adventure on an affordable hiking deal.
Take a step towards the most ideal hiking adventure by getting in touch with our personnel. We will assist you with information, what to expect and guide you where necessary so as to achieve your travel goals.
- Nairobi Excursions.
- Mombasa Excursions.
- Hell's Gate Day Trip.
- Lake Nakuru Day Trip.
- Mount Longonot Day Trip.
- Amboseli Camping Safari.
- Masai Mara Camping Safari.
- Masai Mara / Lake Nakuru Budget Safari.
- Climbing Mount Kenya Sirimon Route.
- Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route.
- Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route.
Five Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Marangu Route. [Itinerary]
Day One: Moshi – Mandara Hut
A representative from Kenya epic safaris will meet you at your hotel or pick you up from the airport and after formalities he or she will hand you over to your assigned mountain guide to facilitate your climb to mount Kilimanjaro.
The guide will brief you on what to expect and check if you have the right gear. Shortly afterwards depart Moshi and you will be driven to Marangu gate for registration and begin climbing through the rain forest to Mandara hut which is at 2700 meters above sea level.
From its low rim you can see above the trees and should be able to see the main summit, although in the afternoon it will almost certainly be cloud-capped. Dinner and overnight stay at Mandara hut.
[Time: 5 hours] Covering twelve kilometres.
Day Two: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut
After a delicious breakfast begin the day’s climb ascending through the moorland and Maundi crater to Horombo hut which is at 3720 meters above sea level.
Once you reach Horombo it is noticeably colder and you will need to have a fleece jacket or sweater with you. At this point you might experience altitude sickness. Dinner and overnight stay at Horombo hut.
[Time: 6 hours] Covering fifteen kilometres.
Day Three: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut
After breakfast begin the days hike through the Alpine forest up to the “Last Water Point” where you should fill your water bottles.
The peak is visible as you head to Kibo hut which is at 4703 meters above sea level. You might experience headaches at this altitude and the night is also very cold. Dinner and overnight stay at kibo hut.
[Time: 6 hours] Covering fifteen kilometres.
Day Four: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
Today you will face the most demanding stretch of the climb. Wake up very early at mid night and have a light breakfast; coffee or tea with some biscuits. Begin the ascend to Uhuru peak which is at 5895 meters above sea level. The first section of the on the Summit trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m) and it is also a good resting spot.
The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route.
From Gillmans Point you will encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. After a photo / selfie session descend to kibo hut (3 hours) and after a short rest descend further to Horombo hut (3 hours) for dinner and overnight stay.
[Time: 14 hours] Covering twenty seven kilometres.
Day Five: Horombo Hut – Moshi
The home stretch is here, after a scrumtious breakfast descend to Marangu gate via Mandara hut where you will sign out and be awarded with a summit certificate.
Those climbers who reach Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reach Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates.
Transfer to moshi and check in to your hotel where your climb to Mount Kilimanjaro ends. A hot shower and rest is most rewarding after conquring Kilimanjaro.
[Time: 7 hours] Covering twelve kilometres.
End of services.
- Transport to and from the base of the mountain.
- Park entrance fees.
- Accommodation in mountain huts / camps.
- Meals as described in the itinerary.
- Services of a mountain guide, porters & a cook.
- Rescue fee.
- H.F Radio communication for backup in case of an emergency.
- All government taxes.
- International airfares.
- Climbing equipments.
- All expenditure of personal nature such as telephone calls, hard drinks, soft drinks and laundry.
- Tips.
- Visas.
- Travel Insurance.
Mt. Kilimanjaro Accommodation
Mandara hut is a group of wooden huts in a forest clearing. Each has 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar generated lighting. The total capacity of the camp is 60 climbers.
Water is piped into the camp from springs above and there are flush toilets behind the main hut.
Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers.
Horombo is normally bustling with hikers, guides and porters, with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement.
Kibo hut is a a stone build block house which has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. It is however possible to buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. There are platform toilets behind the hut.
Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing Route
Marangu route is the most Shortest and easiest route while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to the summit.It is used by 90% of climbers. This route is very scenic and has a well defined path. Accommodation on this route is mountain huts.
This is the only route, which provides comfortable sleeping huts, equipped with beds and mattresses at every campsite. All the camps on this route have radio contact with the Park Headquarters.
Mount Kilimanjaro Topography
Mount Kilimanjaro vegetation zones are characterized by tropical forest, open moorland, alpine desert and finally rocks and ice fields. From 1850 m – 2800m we have the montane forest. The area is usually damp or wet due to rainfall. Notably there isn’t a bamboo forest on Mount Kilimanjaro. From 3200m the montane forest paves way for moorland which extends beyond the heath.
The nights in this zone are cold while the days are sunny and the air thins. Giant groundsels and lobelia thrive in this zone. The moorland paves way to the Alpine desert at 4000m, this zone is characterized by minimal vegetation, the sand is loose and the weather is intense. Above 5000m there isn’t any vegetation and all you can find are rocks and ice fields.
Mount Kilimanjaro is only 3 degrees south of the equator and is influenced by the passage of the Inter-tropical convergence zone. There are two rainy seasons. The long rains occur from March to the end of May and the short rains occur from October to November, but can extend into December.
Apart from these factors, climbing Kilimanjaro remains fairly constant throughout the year. The maximum rainfall occurs in the forest belt, where it can reach up to 2000 mm per year. At the summit, which can be described as a “high altitude desert”, the rainfall is less than 100 mm per year. Rain and snow at higher altitudes can however be encountered at any time of the year.
The average temperatures at the foot of the mountain are 25° – 30° C and on the summit, it can range from minus 10° – 20° C. At 3000m the day temperatures range from 5° – 15° C, and at night frost is normally encountered; clearly a large variation, making it more interesting to summit the mountain.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
The Park
Africa’s highest mountain and the world’s highest free standing mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro which is also referred to as “The Roof of Africa” stands at 5895 meters above sea level. The mountain is a dormant volcano and has three outstanding peaks namely shira at 3962m, Mawenzi at 5149m and kibo at 5895m. Uhuru Peak is the highest summit on Kibo’s crater rim.
Kilimanjaro is a giant stratovolcano that began forming a million years ago, when lava spilled from the Rift Valley zone. Two of its three peaks, Mawenzi and Shira, are extinct while Kibo (the highest peak) is dormant and could erupt again.
Mt. Kilimanjaro History
The last major eruption has been dated to 360,000 years ago, while the most recent activity was recorded just 200 years ago. Although it is dormant, Kibo has fumaroles that emit gas in the crater. Scientists concluded in 2003 that molten magma is just 400 m (1,310 ft) below the summit crater. Several collapses and landslides have occurred on Kibo in the past, one creating the area known as the Western Breach.
Kilimanjaro was first climbed in 1889 by German geographer Hans Meyer and Austrian mountain climber Ludwig Purtscheller. There are six routes that one can use to climb the mountain namely Marangu, Mweka, Umbwe, Machame, Shira and Rongai. Only four of these routes are commonly used.
Climbing / Hiking Gear & Equipments
- Walking trousers synthetic material is recommended.
- Long Underwear Tops – Light synthetic.
- Women’s sports bras Synthetic material.
- Light fleece with a warm layer.
- Long sleeve polypropylene shirt.
- Medium weight polypropylene/thermal leggings.
- Wind – waterproof – breathable jacket.
- Gloves- light weight.
- Warm Hat or Balaclava Sun hat – wool or synthetic.
- Face mask or neck gaiter.
- Medium or large duffel bag to pack your town clothes with a lock, this can be left at the hotel or we can store them for you.
- Medium duffel bag to pack your hiking stuff with a lock. [ The porter will carry this bag. ]
- A day pack to store your essentials with a capacity of about 25 to 35 liters is recommended.
- Walking/hiking shoes – comfortable and waterproof.
- Socks – Fitting socks one thick and one thin pair.
- Head lamp with extra batteries & bulbs.
- Adjustable trekking poles.
- Sleeping bag – Rated 3 – season.
- Gaiters – make sure they will fit over boots.
- Purification tablets or filters – water for drinking is fetched from mountain streams.
- Water bottle preferably one litre.
- Female or male hygiene supplies.
- Hand wipes and camp towel.
- Personal toiletry kit.
- Suncream.
- Lip balm.
- Sun glasses.
- Camera & extra battries.
- Passport, flight ticket, travel insurance, visa, cash & credit card.
- Basecamp entertainment i.e books, board games, playing cards or ipod.
- Favorite Snacks, candy bars or protein bars.
- Bandanas.
- Do not Litter the park.
- Do not feed the animals, i.e. monkeys or baboons.
- Do give the animals the right of way and do not disturb wildlife.
- Do not take any plant or animals remains, dead or alive.
- Do not start fires or throw cigarettes in the parks/reserve.
- Do stay in your vehicle except at designated viewing points.
- Do not shout, laugh loudly, honk or play loud music as this will keep away the animals.
- Do not provoke any animals; it’s dangerous.
Kindly don’t forget your patience, have an open mind, positive and relaxed attitude as things in this part of the world may be very different to what you are accustomed to but in the end the experience is price less and will always be memorable.